Disney Cruise Line Partners with Eleuthera Schools to Support Junior Junkanoo Competition

Disney Cruise Line collaborated with Junior Achievement Bahamas and The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to support the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo competition, pairing students from 10 local schools with Disney professionals in costuming, cosmetology, and entertainment through a series of virtual workshops. The initiative is part of the broader Wishes Set Sail campaign celebrating the Disney Wish's inaugural season and supports the development of the Lighthouse Point destination in Eleuthera.

Disney Cruise Line partnered with Junior Achievement Bahamas and The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to support the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo competition, providing funding, materials, and a series of virtual mentoring workshops that connected students from 10 schools in Eleuthera with Disney professionals specializing in costuming, cosmetology, and entertainment. The initiative represents a direct investment in Bahamian cultural heritage as Disney Cruise Line develops Lighthouse Point, a new private island destination in Eleuthera.

What Is Junkanoo?

Junkanoo is a longstanding Bahamian cultural tradition passed down through generations, characterized by vibrant costumes, joyful dancing, and energetic music rooted in the community's heritage. The Junior Junkanoo program engages primary and high school students in learning the art form — conserving it and passing it to the next generation. Over several weeks, participating students choreograph dances, practice traditional Junkanoo instruments including goat skin drums, and build handmade costumes and parade floats from materials such as cardboard and crepe paper for display during the competition.

Disney's Role: Mentorship and Collaboration

Beyond providing financial support and materials for the Eleuthera competition, Disney Cruise Line hosted a series of virtual, interactive workshops pairing students with Disney professionals in costuming, cosmetology, and entertainment. The exchange was designed to flow in both directions: students shared stories about Junkanoo traditions with their mentors, while Disney professionals contributed ideas to spark creativity and help students evolve their costume and float designs.

Carlos Jimenez, managing producer at Disney Cruise Line, described the workshops: "It was wonderful to share our ideas with this amazing group of students to help inspire their designs, while at the same time, learn from them about Bahamian culture and the beautiful celebration of Junkanoo."

The Competition: Students Shine for Their Community

After weeks of preparation, students from the 10 participating schools performed in the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo competition on March 4, displaying their parade floats and handmade costumes for their community. Caithlyn, age 10, who participated in the virtual mentoring workshops, reflected on the experience: "My classmates and I are celebrating the Bahamian culture by enjoying ourselves and doing what our parents and grandparents did back in the day."

Clara Young, program manager for Junior Achievement Eleuthera, called the collaboration "truly incredible": "After working with their Disney mentors, the students were so proud to celebrate Junkanoo and present their creative costumes to the community. It was a proud moment for all of us."

Disney VoluntEARS from Walt Disney Imagineering — the team leading the development of the new Lighthouse Point experience — also joined the competition event, deepening the connection between the Disney organization's presence in Eleuthera and the local community.

The Bigger Picture: Lighthouse Point and Cultural Respect

The Junior Junkanoo partnership is part of Disney Cruise Line's Wishes Set Sail campaign, developed to support youth activities in key port communities in connection with the Disney Wish's inaugural season. It also connects to Disney Future Storytellers, The Walt Disney Company's commitment to empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators.

Disney Cruise Line's new private island destination at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera is designed to be inspired by the natural environment and celebrate the culture of The Bahamas and Junkanoo — created in close collaboration with local artists and advisors. Joey Gaskins, public affairs director at Disney Cruise Line, articulated the philosophy: "Junkanoo is at the heart of our Bahamian culture. Watching these young Bahamians learn about, celebrate and preserve our culture for generations to come is how we keep this tradition alive. Disney Cruise Line is proud to support programs, like Junior Junkanoo, that reflect the rich diversity of the world we live in." Guests can learn more about Lighthouse Point and Disney Cruise Line at DisneyCruise.com.